Metal joint



L. wlLsQN 1,774,121-A HETAL JOINT Aug. 26, 1930.

4 Sheds-Sheet l Filed Dec. 4, 1926 Aug. 26, 1930.` f 1 wlLsoN METAL JOINT Fired nec. 4j; 192@ 4 sheets-sheet 4 N Vi Patented Aug. 26, 193i);l n

TENV

LULoFr w'iLsoN, or CHICAGO, v inn-fuers METAL JON'I' Application filed December 4, 1528. Serial No'. 152,568.

The invention relates to a metal joint and process of malnng same,`and particularly a joint formed from a single strip of relatively thin metal, which, when formed,` and placed in position, supports and maintains adjacent sections of wall boards, partition boards,V

plaster boards, blackboards, tiles and other products.

It is one of the objects ofthe invention to so for-m the metallic joint from-the strip of metal that two portions of the strip,'destined to form the web of the'metallic joint, shall' contact with each other to. form a'stiilE and rigid web. Y

A further object of the invention is to form the flanged portions, which extend in opposite directions and at right angles from each of the ends'oi'' the centraldoubled web portions,- so that the terminations of the respecltive flanges with'the central web portion, shall be as sharply deiined as possible, in

order to give great strength to the structure and particularly, great rigidity to thedouble central web portions. It has been 'found that since the junctions of the iiangeswith the central web are sharply defined andn'ot rounded ytoo much, the various vflanges and webportions of the unitary strip are not easily separated from each other, and there' ioro a desirable joint between adjacent edge portions of boards, tiles, or the like isgobtained. j y j Another object of the invention is to l-proi' vide spacers or tongues in the metallic joint which permit expansion and contraction ot the adjacent boards or other material, rwhich` tongues are struck or punched out of t portionsof the metallic joint.

An additional object ofthe invention is to have the spacers or tongues in the web portions of the joint relatively flexible, spaced he web apart, and extending outwardly on opposite sides of the web portion of the joint, and

also extending in two directions on the same sides oi' the web portions, that is to say,'one

pair of tongues on one side of the web' exi tends downwardly, and the next pair` of tongues on the same sideof the web extends upwardly, and one pair of tongues on the vopposite side of the web extends downwardly,

' and the otherpair-ot tongues on' the same side.

of the web extends upwardly, the pairs of tongues on both sides oit' the web being in different transverse planes.

It is another object of the invention,` while securing the benefitand advantage of the .punched out tongues or spacers which permit expansion and contraction of the boards in v the air space longitudinally of the web portions, to secure the longitudinal locking of the two web portions of the metallic joint in av plurality of places, and thus, 'in fact,

strengthen the central web of the joint by having the tongue from one webportion pass through its lown opening, and throughthe immediately `adjacent opening in the ad.- joining web portion; Furtherloclringfof the web portions is'secured by means ot the passing of another tongue through its own opening', and that of the adjoining web portion, but in a direction oppositev to that of 'the' two web portionsY forming the central web are free fromthe danger ot separation and bending. f

Another object of the invention is to provide the metallic joint with combined tongues and spacers which will lock the webs ot the metallic joint not only longitudinally in both l directions but laterally as well, and at the same time provide' the metallic joint-with spacers between the webs and the adjoining ends of thefwall :board sections. j As' inthe case of thetongu'esand spacerswhichloclrthel web portions of the metallic joint longitudinally, this form is provided with tongues in a pluralityoilv places, similarly strengthening tongue lirst described. By this Ameans the adjacent opening in the `adjoining web portion is pressed back against the tongue'oi the adjoining web portion. Further longitudinal and lateral locking of the web portions is secured by `means of the passing of another tongue through its own opening and that of the adjoining web portion, but in a direction opposite to that of the tongue first described.` The tongues last mentioned are pressed back against the web portion of the i 'n metallic joint on the kopposite side thereof.

the first mentioned rjoint with semi-cylindrical transverse eX- tensions, and apertures at each end of the ad- .j joining semi-cylindrical extensions in the lll) flanged portions at each end of the web portion, to permit securing means to be passed through the tubular space formed by the proximity of the two semi-cylindrical eXtensions. f

Another object of the invention is to pro vide integral metallic joints of the character described, which have been formed for use in connection with the exterior and the interior ofA corners of walls, or corner portions of the boards, tiles, and the like.

It is also an object of the invention to form the metallic joint from the single unitary strip of metal by passing the strip through'various rolls in successive operations from the initial flat strip of metal to rthe linished product, either for the straight wall joint, or the corner joints, the rolls, idlers, and other apparatus being of suitable'formation to accomplish the desired purpose. It will also be understood that the metallic joints of the invention may be formed by means of the dies or other suitable methods of manufacture.

The invention will be Amore readily understood when read in conjunction with the accompanyingl drawings which illustrate various embodiments of the invention, it being obvious that changes and modifications thereof may be made without departing from the spirit of theappended claims forming a part hereof.

In the drawings: v

Figure 1 is an elevational view of the metallic joints of the invention in position with scctions of wall board and studding.

Figure 2 is a front view ofthe metallic joint 'with portions of the head vof the oint broken away to reveal the flexible tongues or spacers.

Figure 2a is a front View of the metallic joint with the head ofthe joint broken away to reveal the flexible tongues or spacers, which tongues or spacers are turned back against the web portions on opposite sides thereof to form combined longitudinal and lateral locks of the web portions.

Figure 3 is a side view of the metallic joint as shown in Figure 2, showing an elevational view of the spacers in the web portions of the joint, and showing a part of the wall board in section.

Figure t is a transverse sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 1 on the line 1 -i of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a full sized transverse sectional viewY of the metallic oint illustrating the manner in which the parts are held together, and showing how the nails to secure the oint are placed in position.

Figure 6 illustrates a view similar to Figure 5, except that it shows one of the nails driven into place through the end portion of one of the wall boards by means of a nail-set.

Figure 7 is similar to Figures 5 and G eX- cept that it shows the nails driven into place, and the nail hole in the end portion of one of the wall boards plugged.

Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross section of a modified form of metallic joint with adjacent end portions of wall boards in position and pressing against the extending tongues on both sides of the central web portion.

Figure 9 is a side view of the modified metallic joint of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of the modified form of metallic oint shown in Figures S and 9, showing the tongues in position prior to placing of the wall board ends in position.

Figure 11 is a View of a portion of a metallic joint yshowing a modified form of construction employed for fastening the metallic joint in position.

Figure 12 is a side view partly in section, of the structure of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is an elevational view ofa section of wall or ceiling illustrating metallic oints in position, and also illustrating a panel constructed of metallic joints.

Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of a seci tion of wall or ceiling, such as is shown in Figure 13, employing metallic joints.

Figure 15 is a cross sectional view illustrating the invention, adapted for the exterior' corner of a structure embodying wall boards placed at right angles to each other. l

Figure 16 is a cross sectional View of the invention adapted for the interior corner of Y sections of wall board placed at right angles to each other.

Figure 17 is a side elevational view of rolls between which the original strip of material from which the metallic joint of the invention is to be formed, has been placed.

Figure 18 is a front elevational view of the rolls and strip of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a side elevational view of another set of rolls used, and showing the strip Figure 22 is a front of material in the process of being formed in; to they metallic joint. f j

F igure` is afront elevational view of the rolls and the strip'being formed', as shown in Figure 19. f

Figure 21 is a side elei'fat'iona'l view of another set of rollsshowing the strip from which the metallic joint is to b'e formed in a further state of progress. Y 1

Y elevational View of the rollsand the Vstrip of Figure 21,. j A l Figure 23 is a side view'y of; another set of rolls, an idler roll, the strip in a further state of progress,andan arbor employed inconnection with forming the strip into the 1netallic joint'. n y

Figure 24 is a front view of the rolls, idler roll and strip, and a sectional view ofv the arbor, as shown in Figure 23. Y

Figure 25 isa side view of anotherset of rolls, idler rolls and strip showing the final operation in connection with making Vthe metallic joint of the invention.-

F igure`26 is a front view of the rolls, idler rolls, and iinished metallic joint` illustrated in Figure25`. n

Figure 27 is acfriont view of rolls and idler rolls in connectionV withforming metallic joints used for interior corners, such as are shown in Figure 16:

Figure 28 is 'a frontview' of another'set of rolls and idler rolls, and a sectional view of the completed metallicl joint used foran interior'corner, such as is illi'is'trated'in'Figure Figure 29 illustrates. another set of rolls and idler rolls employed to form the completed metallic joint-shown in section, which Y is to `be used for they exterior corner, as illus# lill tratedin Figure 15.

' The improved construction of vmetallic joint isv shown in the various `figures of the drawings for wall or ceiling sections, and for the corners of walls and ceilings, both eXteri# or and interior. The views for the ordinary wall sections are well illustratedA in IFigures 5, 6 and 7, while the corner sections are Well illustrated inFigures'15 and 16. Y

The metallic joint, which is made and formed from a' single strip of relatively thin metal, is formedfwith the flanged portions 30 and 31, the central web portions 32 and 33,.

and the head 34. It will be observed that the fflanges 30 and 31 are at right angles to the I formatin into the form shown with l the At intervals and separated such distances as may be required the web portions 32 and 33 are provided with oppositelyextending and oppositely lfacingpars of tongues or spacers .whichhavebeen punched or struck out o the web portions. These are shown in double lthickness of material forming the makes a rigid and strong joint.

Figures -2 and 3,A and other figures of the drawings. The uppermost of the top pairs of tongues comprises the tongue 35 and the tongue 36, which have been punched in one v 33 in the 'opposite direction from the tongues 35 and 36. The free or lower ends of each of the tongues 35 and 36 on one side of the central web portions, and thefree ends of theV `tongues 37 and38 on theotherside thereof (l project downwardly. The next adjacent set Y of punched out tongues will alsobein'ore readily seen in Figures 2 and k3.. The tongue 39 is punched out from the web .portion 32, and the tongue 40 is punched out from the Y web portion 33. The tongues 41 and 42 are and 33 respectively. Itwill be noted, however, that the 'tongues39 and 40 are on one side of the web portions 32 and 33, similar to the tongues 37 and 38, and that the tongues 41 'l also punched kout from the web portions 32 and 36. It will also be observed thaty the free ends ofthe pairs of tonguesc39, 40 and 41, 42

`project upwardly orin the direction oppo-A site to that in which the pairs of tongues 35, 36 and37, 38 project. `It will also be observed that in the upper pair of punched out tongues the tongue 36, punchediroin the web portion 33,l extends through the apertures made in the web portions 32 and 33 by the punching out of the tongues 35 and'36, and

V'under the tongue 35, punched from the web portion 32, thus serving to longitudinally lock the web portions 32 and 33. Likewise the tongue 37 I in the other or klower pair of tongues on the opposite Side,*and whichis.

punched-.trom the web portion 32, extends through the apertures made in the webfpor? tions 32 and 33 by the punching out of the tongues 37 and 38 andv underL the tongue 38, punched from' the web portion 33, thus more ir'mlylocling the web portions 32 and 33, longitudinally. j

In additionY to the function of longitudi-y nally locking the web members of the mctallic joint, the punched out tongues have llU the function of acting as spacersA for the end i portions of the adjacent wall boards 43 and k44. Sincethe end portions 43 and 44, respectively, do vnot abut directly against the web portions' 32-and 33, but are held froni the web portions by the projecting and eX-f' tending tongues, air spaces 45 and 46 arc flexible than the tongues struck from the webs O i and particularly shown in FigureQ". In case itis thought thatthe tongues of Figure 2 are too rigid,v and do not give upon movement of the kwall boards 43 and 44,*the more 'flexible tongues of Figure 8 may be employed.

In Figuresl 11v and 12 there is shownfa modified form yof means for `fastening the metallic jointk tothe studding or other suitable support` This con'sists'in forming the Webs 32 and 33"with semi-circular` depressionsv 62 and 63, respectively, transversely of the webs. Vhen the webs SQ-and 38 are K pressed together the depressions 62 'and 63 form a'channel 64 for the reception of'a nail or screwf65, which may be driven into Athe studding or other support. j y f Int Figures '18 and 14 there are shown'in elevation and section respectively, a means whereby the metallic 'joint maybe used in sections of wall board for paneling and the like, whereinthe metallic sections may ex*- tend either vertically or horizontally, and be suitably mitred at ythe corners. c

In Figure 15, wherein is shown the metallic joint adapted to be used for the exterior corner of a structure, the single unitary metallic strip is shown as being bent inv such a way as to receive on one side the wall board 66 and at right angles thereto the wall'board 67 The inner flange portion 68 of the metallic joint extends parallel to the wall board 66 on the inside thereof. The `web 69-eX- tends outwardly at an angle-tothe flange 68 and the head portion 70 extends parallel to the flange .portion 68 to receive theend portion of the wallboard 66. The 'head por*F tion 71,'the web portion 7 2 and the flange por* tion 73 form a pocket on the opposite side of the metallicjoint to receive the end portion of the wall board 67. lfailsmaiyA be `driven' into the vstudding 74 and the nailhole made in the end portion of the wall board-66r may be filled with thefplug 75.

It will be noted that the web portions `69 and 72 are pressed against each other in contact so as to form substantially a single web of double thickness, which is at an angle off-45o tothe inner flange and outer'head portions on opposite sides of the metallic joint. The ends of the wall boards, whichv meet within themetallic corner joint, are usually cut square, and this leaves a pocket, which, if it did not containthe rigid transverse web portion of the joint to brace against the outer head portion of the joint, would tend to allow the straight longitudinal line of Y, the corner to be marred and bent. -The web Yportion back" of the head of the metallic joint preserve the straight and uniform -line of the corner; i In order that the nails which secure? the jointto thestudding shallk pass each other, Vthe holes in the flanges -68 and 73are not in fthe same plane, or they may be driven at an angle to Aavoideachzother..: -f

. i In Figure 16 there; is shown another form of corner metallic joint. v `This form is for the' interior of the corner, and the portions of the metallic joint are reversedifromvthose shownfin Figure 1.5. The wall'board section 76is arranged at r-ightianglesr to the wall `board'section 77. The flange78of the metal'- lic oint is placed on` the exterior of the wall boardsection -76 and parallel thereto.V The web section 79 extends inwardly at an angle ouf-"45.0. tothe flange 78. @ne portion 80 of the head of the 'metallic joint 'eXtendson the interior of thewallboard 76 parallel to the flange 78.y TheV opposite portion 81 of the head is at rightfangles to the portion 8O and is parallel to the wall boardsection 77 on the 'interior face thereof; Ther web por` tion 82 extends from the head portion' 81 of the flange 83. "The web portion 82 ispressed tightlyV against and contacts with the-web portion 79 .and the two. web portions form-a substantially integral we bfor the .joint and l have` the v'same characteristics of rigidity and support thatthe web'portions 69 and 72 have, described in connection with Figure 15,41., The

flange 83 extends at an angle of 45 to theL web portion 82, .and lies-parallel to the head portion 81,'thus forming afgroove within which the end of the wall board 77 may be fitted; Nails be driven into the studs. 84 and 85 andtheY nail-hole in` the end of the wall board 76 maybe filled with therlus 8 6.

The mechanism for forming the integral relatively thin metallic strip into the metal'- licfjoints of the invention are shown in Figures 17 to 29,both inclusive. These figures l are more or less diagrammatic and no effort has been made to show all of the attendant mechanisnnand itv will. be understood that it may be necessary. to havev furtheropera- 1 tions further mechanism inorder tosecure the results desired.' The principal'steps in the method of making the-'metallicfjoints have been shown and described, however, andV any steps not shown, and mechanism therefor, would be intermediate 'of' those shown and described, and substantially'like those ywhich have been shown and described.

In Figures '17 and 18 the sheet or strip 87.I i which isvto ultimately become the metallic joint of the invention, is passed between'rol-ls 88 and 89. The rolls88 and 89 have shafts -96 and 91 respectively, which rotate in suitable bearings which are not shown. IFor convenience the shafts of otherfrolls.r and idler rolls in subsequent figures of the ldrawings will not .be numbered.

the central portion of the strip is rounded and the side portions 94 and 95 are extended both inclusive.

downwardly.

yIn Figures 21 .and 22 a power rolls 96 and 97 are used tofurther form the strip 87 to raise and bend the side portions 94 and 95. j

In Figures 23 and 24 power (rolls: 98 and -99 4and an idler roll 100are yused in forming the metallic joint. In forming the metallic joint with the mechanism shown in Figures 23 and 24 itis necessary to employ the arbor 101, which has a base 102 of the required dimensions, which is suitably supported. The arbor 101` is constructed with a right-angled portion, which is used to assist in forming the curved central portion of the strip 87 into the substantially circular portion 103 of the strip. The final operation ofv forming the metallic joint is performed by the mechanism shown in Figures 25 and 26. This mechanism includes the rolls 104 and 105, andthe idler rolls106 and 107. The rolls 104 and 105 formthe strip 87, after the strip has passed through the preceding` operations, into the form shown between the rolls in Figure 26, which isV lilethe form shown in Figures 4, 5, 6 and-7, eXcept as to thepunched tongues. The punched tongues are punched in the web portions ofthe metallicjoints by subsequent operations.

, The lmechanism for formingthe corner metallic joints is shown kin Figures 27. Y28 and 29. In order to form the metallic joints for the corners it is first necessary to'perform the operations on theunitary metallic strip 87, as illustrated Vin Figures 17 to 26, The strip, which has now been formed into the completed metallic joint, is passed between the power rolls 108 and 109 and the idler rolls 110 and 111. By

means of vthese rolls the head porti-ons 112 and 113 are'rolled and bent away from the Y, flange portions 114 and 115.

In Figure 28 the power rolls-116 and 117 and idler rolls 118 and 119 are used to complete'the-formation of the corner joint. In this operation the flanges 114 and 115 have been rolled and bent so that they lie parallel ,to the head portions 112 and 113. The metallic joint shown in Figures 27 and 28 is for the interior corners, and is a. structure which is identical with Ythe metallic joint shown in Figure 16.

In Figure 29 there is shown mechanism which is used to form the metallic joint into the form `used for the exterior corner.- In this operation power rolls 120 and 121 and idler r-olls 122 and 123 are used. In forming the metallicjoint the flanges 124 and 125 are extended'downwardly rather than upwardly,`as they are in Figure 28, and the head portions 126 and 127 are also extended downdifferent set ofy wardly and parallel to the flangeW portions 124 and 125. Y

l/iith reference to the corner metallic joints, it will be understood that the head portions 80 and 81, as shown in Figure 16, and the head portions 112 and 113, as shown in Figure 28, are on the inside corner of adjoining sections of wall board, and are visible. On the other hand the head portions and 71, as shown in Figure 15, and the head portions 126 and 127, as shown in Figure 29, are on the outside corner of adjoining sections of wall board, and are the surfaces of the metallic joint which are visible.

l/Vith reference to the power rolls and the idler rolls, as shown in Figures 17 to 29, both inclusive, it vwill be understood that the rolls, the shafting and bearings therefor will be placed in the most advantageous positions in order to secure the most economical and eiiicient operations upon the strip which passes through the rolls from the initial flat strip into the finished metallic joint.

.flaring thus described the invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a metallic joint for wall boards, a sheet of relatively thin metal formed with flanges, web portions and a head, said head and web portions being formed with double thicknesses of metal, said head and web portions each haring their respective thicknesses tightly compressed against each other and contacting their entire distances and in contin'uous straight lines, the lines of termina tion of said flanges, web portions and head portions being sharply defined.

2. In a metallic joint for wall boards a single unitary strip ofV relatively thin material with a web formed of two thicknesses of the material, a. fla-ngc, a head portion cX- tendino therefrom at right angles thereto, web portions being formed with double thicknesses ofnietal, said head and web portions cach having their respective thicknesses tightly compressed against each other and ,contacting their entire distances and in continuous straight lines, the web portions ha ing tongues therein longitudinally locking said web.

3. In a metallic joint for wall boards a single unitary strip of relatively thin material with a web formed of two thicknesses of the material, a flange, a head portion extending therefrom at right angles thereto, thc web portions having struck-out tongues therein, said struck-out tongues being onk opposite sides of said web portions and extending in opposite directions.

4. In a metallic joint for wall boards a single unitary strip of relatively thin metal embodying flange, web and head portions, the web and head portions being of double thickness and closely pressed together, struck-out tongues disposed at Various points in said web portions, said struck-out tongues bei Asaid tongues being in pairs, the pairs being formed from portions of each ot the Web' portions', one tongue ot each ofthe pairs oit tongues crossing through the apertures in` said Web portions made by striking out the tongues and extending beyond the adjacent Web portion and With the other tongue oie the pair longitudinally locking both web portions.

6. In a metallic joint for Wall boards a single unitary strip ott relatively thin metal embodying flange, vWeb and head portions,

the web and head portionsbeing ot double thickness and closely pressed together, struckout tongues disposed at various points in saidl Web portions, said struck-'out tongues being on opposite sides oi said iveb portions, said tongues being` in pairs, the pairs being formed from port-ions of each oli-the web portions, one tongue of each of the paii'soi tongues crossing through the apertures in saidv Web portions made by striking out the tongues and extending beyond the adjacent Web portion and with the other tongue Vof the pair longitudinally locking both Web portions, the free ends ot each set of pairs ot tongues kon opposite sides of the Web portions extending towardthe free ends of another set oi' pairs of tongues in lsaidiveb portions. 5

7. 'In a metallic oint for Wall boards a single unitary strip of relatively thin material With a Web formed ol two thicknesses of the material, a flange, a head portion extending therefrom at right angles thereto, the web portions having struck-out tongues therein., said struck-out tongues extending on opposite sides ot said web, said tongues extending beyond ,said web sulliciently far tomaintain spacebetiveen said Web andthe` inner edges of the Wall boards on either side of said web..

8. In a metallic joint for Wall boards a single unitary strip of relatively thiiinietal with a web formed or" two thicknesses of the metal, flanges and headl portions extending from said Web at right angles thereto, the Web portions having struck-out tongues therein, said tongues being relatively long anc flexible. f

9. In a metallic rjoint for single unitary strip of relatively thin metal with a Web formed ot two thicknesses of the metal, flanges and head portions extending Wall boards a l from said web at right angles thereto, the web portions havin-g pairs of relatively long and flexible tongues Astruck out on opposite sides thereof, theiree .ends oitffivhich pairs extend toivard each other.r

l0. ln' a metallic joint 'lor the adjoining corners ot Wall boards consisting .of a single unitary strip of relatively-thin metal, Wherein the liangeportions are disposed at obtuse angles to the web portions, the head portions are disposed at acute angles to the web porin contact with each other. c Y

11. ln a metallic joint for thecorners of adjoining Wall boards, a'single unitary strip of relatively thin metal forming pockets or groovestor their receptiointhe end sections of said Wall boards placed at right angles to each other, the flanges and head portions of. saidV metallic oint each being in parallel relationto the respective end section of the Wall board, and the Web portions of the inetallic joint being in contact With each other and extending liromsaid flanges lto said head portions at an angle of o to the ends of said Wall sections.

12. In a metallic joint for Wall boards a single unitary strip of relatively thin metal Web and head portions being of double thickness and closely-pressed together, struck-out tongues disposed at various places in said Web portions, said struck-out tongues being on opposite sides of said web portions, said tongues being in pairs, the pairs being formed kirom portions of each of the web portions, one

tongue of each of the pairs of tongues crossing through the apertures in said lweb por- CIV tions,and-the intermediate Web portions are embodying flange, vveband head portions, the

its

tions made by striking out thel tongues and I extending beyond the adjacent Web portion,l

each ofthe free ends of the tongues of each and against their respective opposite sides of the Web portions, said tongues simultaneously longitudinally Yand laterally locking said web portions.y

13.111 a metallic joint for Wall boards a single unitary strip of relatively thin metal embodying flange., Weband head portions, the

Web andhead portions being of double thickness and closely pressed together, struck-out tongues disposed at various places in sait Web portions, said struck-out tongues being' extending beyond the adjacent iveb portion,

. of the pairs of tongues being bent outwardly each of the free ends of the tongues of each y of the pairs of tongues being bent outwardly and against their respective opposite sides of the web portions, said tree ends ot each set of pairs oftongues pressed against opposite sides of' the web portions extending toward the free ends of another Set of pans. of

tongues in said Web portions, said tongues Simultaneously longitudinally Vand latel'aly loc-king said web portions.

In Witness whereof, `I hereunto Subscribe my name this 2nd day of Docembe, A. D.

l LULOFF WILooN. 

